Gophers are small burrowing rodents that feed on roots of many types of plants. A single gopher can ruin a garden in a short time, and gopher gnawing can damage irrigation lines and sprinkler systems. Gophers do not hibernate and always plug up their tunnels. In lawns, their mounds are unsightly, interfere with mowing, and cause can cause injuries to people who accidently step into the hole or trip on the mound.

Early detection is critical to prevent damage. Gopher mounds are usually piles of loose dirt that form a half circle around a plugged hole. Fresh mounds are a sign of an active gopher.